At least 25 people were left homeless at Wag ‘n Bietjie informal settlement in Strand after seven shacks burned down on Saturday 16 August. The cause of the incident is unknown.
A victim Nolubabalo Sibabini said she lost everything.
“I was sleeping when the fire started. I heard people making noise outside. When I opened the door, I saw huge flames from one of the shacks. I woke up my children and we ran outside,” said Sibabini.
The mother of three children said they are left with the clothes that they are wearing and are currently staying with a relative.
Sibabini said her concern is to rebuild her shack. “I’m a domestic worker. I’m working three days a week and I earn R250 a day at Gordon’s Bay. It is not enough to buy building material,” she stated.
Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso described the incident as terrible.
“We are appealing to anyone to contribute with whatever they have, including clothes, blankets, food etc. I reported it to the City and Gift of the Givers to assist them,” said Diniso.
The City’s Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse confirmed the incident.
According to Carelse, a call was received at around 02:00 as informal structures were on fire in Wag n Bietjie informal settlement at Richmond Street in Nomzamo, on Sunday 17 August.
“Crews from Strand and Sir Lowry’s Pass were on scene. By 03:00 the fire was extinguished.
“It destroyed six structures and left approximately 20 persons displaced. No persons were injured, and the cause is yet to be determined,” said Carelse.
